Two intrepid librarians

Two intrepid librarians review the best nonfiction books for children

Thursday, March 10, 2016

The Secret Subway

The Secret Subway 
by Shana Corey
illustrated by Red Nose Studios
Schwartz & Wade, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-375-87071-2
Grades K-5

In the 1860s, stagecoaches, horses, peddlers and garbage clogged the streets of New York City. Coeditor of Scientific American, Alfred Ely Beach, had an innovative solution to the city's problem: an underground train powered by a fan. Corey's engaging narrative style brings excitement to the story of New York's first subway system. Unfortunately, the underground train was grounded when politicians gave in to pressure from shopkeepers who wanted to keep shoppers above ground.

Red Nose Studio created polymer clay figures for the illustrations; their process is shown on the book's jacket. The facial expressions on the characters and the lively writing style bring the story to life and make this an ideal read aloud for all ages. Be sure to read the author's note for more information about Beach and the use of pneumatic power. A recommended purchase for school and public library collections.



The reviewer received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher.

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